DALLAS, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team tied SMU, 0-0 on Saturday in an exhibition game.

For the Cardinals, the game was their first and only preseason scrimmage as they prepare for their official season to start on the road next week in Missouri.  Acting as an exhibition game in every sense of the word, head coach Vince Martinez was able to see his new side in action for the first time since welcoming eighteen new recruits to the squad.

"Under the circumstances of literally a brand new team, I am very pleased with the way we played," said Martinez.  "It's never easy playing SMU on their home pitch."

Both the Cardinals and the Mustangs enjoyed short spells of possession in the first half, but neither side was able to take a firm grip of the game.  Although the Cardinals had the edge in shot attempts they failed to convert some key chances.

A mistake from Mustangs goal keeper Michael Nelson saw an attempted clearance fall to the feet of the Cardinals leading scorer from 2013, Victor Pinal.  From 25 yards out Pinal had an opportunity to take the lead, but a tame shot on goal fell straight back into the hands of Nelson.

Going into the second half, the contest became more even, with both teams restricting each other to long range shots.  For the Cardinals, Alex De La Garza fired some shots on goal, adding to the threat already carried throughout the game from Chijioke Akujuobi on the opposite wing.

Between them, the Cardinals and the Mustangs had 25 shots and nine corner kicks, while opposing goal keepers were called to make three saves a piece.  UIW goal keeper Kieran O'Boyle kept the game scoreless for the Mustangs spoiling an offensive chance by making a good save off of a long range effort in the second half.

The Cardinals open their official 2014 season in exactly the same way as they did last year, on the road against Missouri State and Central Arkansas next weekend. They kick off against MSU on Friday at 7 p.m.
####
pr14340smm